Meckel's diverticulum and the eponymous legend

J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2019 Aug;87(2):451-455. doi: 10.1097/TA.0000000000002300.

Abstract

Johann Friedrich Meckel (1781-1833) was a 19th century anatomist born into an eminent dynasty. He was a professor of anatomy, pathology, and zoology at the University of Halle, in Central Germany. The diverticulum, a congenital remnant of the vitellointestinal duct was named after him. Other eponyms include Meckel's cartilage, Meckel syndrome, and Meckel-Serres law of recapitulation. His concepts in comparative anatomy, embryology, and teratology anticipated Darwin. This review is a short tribute to this legend and his prolific contributions. LEVEL: Historic review, level V.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Germany
  • History, 19th Century
  • Humans
  • Meckel Diverticulum / diagnosis
  • Meckel Diverticulum / history*
  • Meckel Diverticulum / therapy

Personal name as subject

  • Johann Friedrich Meckel